The world’s most enduring and breathtaking construction project, the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, marked a monumental milestone today, 143 years after Bishop Urquinaona laid its cornerstone. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, this one-of-a-kind Catholic basilica is a testament to human faith, artistic ambition, and unprecedented patience.
While the project was initially conceived by another architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar, Gaudí took over in 1883 and completely reimagined the design, infusing it with his unique blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and organic forms. He dedicated more than four decades of his life to the project, living on-site and working on it exclusively in his final years. Upon his death in 1926, just a fraction of his masterpiece was complete.
The Sagrada Família is a work of pure symbolism, with every element meticulously designed to represent the story of Jesus and Christian faith. It has three grand facades—the Nativity, the Passion, and the yet-to-be-completed Glory—each telling a different part of the biblical story. Inside, the columns of the nave soar like a forest of trees, with branching supports and natural forms that create a sense of awe and harmony.
Construction has continued for over a century, funded entirely by private donations and ticket sales. Despite numerous setbacks, including the Spanish Civil War, which destroyed many of Gaudí’s original models and plans, the project has pushed forward thanks to generations of dedicated architects and craftsmen.
The monumental church is on track to be structurally completed by 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. While some final decorative and sculptural work will continue, the completion of the main structure will finally realize Gaudí’s vision and cement the Sagrada Família’s legacy as one of the most significant architectural achievements in history.
